As a long-time patron and former participant within the NY West Indian Carnival, I’m voicing considerations after talking with different patrons and several other masqueraders. The 2025 WIADCA carnival was not a lot improved from earlier years. It’s getting additional away from the ‘carnival spirit’.
Let’s begin with the 2025 title. VIVE LE CARNIVALE? SERIOUSLY? When did we promote out our tradition, and for what purpose? Whose loopy concept was this? Has carnival tradition change into a Latin American phenomenon now? Has the Hispanic neighborhood headlined their parade ‘Bacchanal Competition’ or ‘Dingolay de la Hispanidad? The carnival is a celebration that honors the West Indian neighborhood, teaches its heritage to youthful generations, and showcases our cultural uniqueness (therefore the West Indian American Day Carnival Affiliation).
Secondly, Dance-Corridor is NOT carnival. That comes beneath a distinct umbrella. Why attempt to rewrite the script? This occasion can happen at an alternate location, similar to the Brooklyn Museum (the central location for CARNIVAL actions). The precise Caribbean carnival consists of Soca artistes, calypsonians, calypso tents, carnival fetes, kiddies’ carnival, metal bands, carnival exhibits (kings, queens, people, ole mas, conventional mas, Canboulay), and, in fact, J’ouvert. Lengthy-time and true artisans wish to use their abilities, abilities, and talents to showcase cell artwork that’s lovely, colourful, spectacular, and to really feel a way of satisfaction from their accomplishments.
Thirdly, the precise avenue parade was a catastrophe. Throngs of feisty, disruptive youths had been transferring from band to band. There was an obvious lack of costumed bands that had been far outnumbered by the non-costumed bands. Different carnivals outdoors the central Caribbean island have surpassed the New York carnival in some ways (Miami, Canada, and the UK). There are extra guests, extra crowd management, extra costumes, and a real show of what Caribbean carnival entails.
In an try to be all the pieces to everybody (particularly those that know NOTHING concerning the origins and the journey of carnival through the years), it has change into the nice ‘sell-out.’ Political impressions had been rampant (an over-abundance of ‘reserved’ indicators accompanied by a way of self-importance
